Images

This Muslim-Hindu love story needs your help to be told

This Muslim-Hindu love story needs your help to be told

Director/writer Hamza Bangash has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the post-production of his film Rang Raaz
Updated 02 Sep, 2016

Muslim-Hindu love stories are complicated. Even when you simply want to tell the story.

Just ask writer/director Hamza Bangash, whose attempts to fund his short film Rang Raaz were met with refusal after refusal in Pakistan.

"We had approached some pretty prominent people in Pakistan who had vested interests in having a story about minorities told," shares Hamza with Images.

"But they all refused, saying the subject [of an interfaith marriage] is too controversial. I was shocked. Here were people who had prospered, people who were well-connected, but still too scared to make a political statement. They said it's a threat to their life and their family's life."

Hamza Bangash
Hamza Bangash

However, the project is not without its supporters.

Hamza had so far self-funded the shoot of Rang Raaz, but now needed help in financing its post-production. Through his Kickstarter campaign, he's raised 3,390 CAD out of the required 4000.

"We [also] have people like Deepak Perwani who's super-proud to put his name on our project," Hamza adds. "It's a huge stamp of approval for us to have him on board as the costume designer of our film."

About Rang Raaz

In Rang Raaz, a young couple - a Hindu man and a Muslim woman - decide to elope. Soon, "their journey takes a dark twist, as the full consequences of their wedding come into focus with hidden resetments, betrayals and emotions to the surface."

"We've got a lot of negative feedback," tells Hamza. "Our Facebook page is flooded with messages like 'How dare you make this film. It's totally against our culture?' My response to them is 'Who are you to dictate what our culture is?' If Jinnah, who founded our nation, believed in cultural pluralism, then who is anyone else to say otherwise?"

A still from Rang Raaz
A still from Rang Raaz

The film itself is inspired by the very delayed passing of the Hindu Marriage Bill.

"I was reading the papers when I came across news of the Hindu Marriage Bill. I had no idea that this had just happened. The Hindu community has been part of Sindh for generations before partition . Their temples have existed on this land before a lot of the infrastructure that we know as Karachi today. And yet they couldn't legally get married until recently. It's ridiculous."

A still from Rang Raaz
A still from Rang Raaz

Hamza hopes that through independently funded films, he and other like-minded filmmakers will be able to alter the course of Pakistani cinema.

"After an amazing first year, where films like Shah, Moor and Manto came out, Pak cinema has now reverted to Bollywood-inspired knock offs," laments Hamza. "We need our films to speak honestly about the issues our society faces. They should be engaging and with a conscious! That's what we tried to do with Rang Raaz, and I think that's why the trailer for the film has resonated with so many people. That's the direction our cinema needs to be headed towards. Bollywood creates some amazing movies, but we need to figure out our own identity."

Comments

raw is war Sep 02, 2016 09:49am
"In Rang Raaz, a young couple - a Hindu man and a Muslim woman - decide to elope." Call this a fiction. Has it ever happened in Pakistan. What will happen to a Muslim girl falling in love with a Hindu boy in Pakistan? Most likely she will be killed by her own family.
Recommend
VIKI Sep 02, 2016 10:06am
A hindu Girl and a Muslim Man would have been fine though so please remake the movie if you want to show here..
Recommend
the indian Sep 02, 2016 10:08am
you won't get any help out of this society out there...!!
Recommend
abishek Sep 02, 2016 10:13am
congrats on doing such a film ! Plz note hinduism is not a religion its a way of life ! one cannot convert to hinduism ! u can only practise it ! Like yoga meditation, Bhakti etc ! I think world needs to remove the boundary of religion & unite us as all human beings ! religion was formed to guide us to a better life - but vested interests have used it to divide peopel ! make such films of uniting people thru love & religion ! dont give it to negative people ! ignore them ! in india we have made large films on this topic ! Ex; Pk,Ishaqzaade etc - With an amazing response ! In bollywood ! couples marry from different religions & they follow good in both faiths !
Recommend
Taimoor Saleem Sep 02, 2016 10:27am
I support this cause, But will be best if we first revealed the consequences of marrying in other cast than touching this very sensitive topic.
Recommend
Pune-India Sep 02, 2016 10:40am
We are fade up from such Love stories..
Recommend
Md Sep 02, 2016 10:45am
Salute to the maker of this movie. Respect
Recommend
Ismail Sep 02, 2016 10:47am
For those who don't know, according to Sunni Islamic theology, it is forbidden for a Muslim to marry a Hindu.
Recommend
KnowTheTruth Sep 02, 2016 10:49am
good initiative to highlight the plight of minorities
Recommend
AliPasha(USA) Sep 02, 2016 10:54am
Nobody has an issue as long as the Hindu guy converts to Islam when he marries the Muslim girl.Islam clearly defines the marriage between a Muslim girl and a non-Muslim man and vice versa.
Recommend
Giri Sep 02, 2016 10:58am
Speaks volumes about regressive culture in Pakistan where only one faith is considered to be superior and other faiths not so.
Recommend
Irfan ullah Sep 02, 2016 11:06am
I didn't liked it... Why it is not other way round ?? A Muslim boy and a Hindu Girl !!!
Recommend
gopynath Sep 02, 2016 11:09am
This is very good move, this will make a impression in the minds of youth in Pakistan about inter religion marriage.So every one will think in a broadminded way in a few years of interval.
Recommend
rashi Sep 02, 2016 11:19am
Here in india there are so many couples muslim man and hindu women.nobody sends hate msgs except bajrang dal.but I hv noticed most of the times its the girls family who oppose
Recommend
wellwisher Sep 02, 2016 11:26am
bold subject.Pray for its success
Recommend
Awan Sep 02, 2016 11:28am
In these difficult times for Pakistan, the secular and multicultural initiatives are very rare. All this happened because of a dictator in 1977 and next 10 years of ZIa's and Jamat islami regime had totally changed the Pakistani society. may be there is a silent portion of secular minded Pakistani population (and this is a Ray of hope) which do not have courage to come out like Mr Hamza. All we need is courage to change our society, to eradicate radicalism and fanatism through culture and through real Islam and mysticism which is real Essence of our religion as stated by Imam Ghazali. Mr Hamza please go forward with out any fear!
Recommend
ahmad Sep 02, 2016 11:30am
you have the all the right to make the type of film you want to make but you don't need to be give judgmental statements about the industry or even the society.
Recommend
joe Sep 02, 2016 11:34am
we are all same as human being made of same DNA, hindu, muslim, sikh, jews, christians, budhist, bahai and all others have same RED blood made by same GOD yet our pray style are different thisdosent mean people go o killing spree, no GOD say to kill any human being specially on the name of religion. Stop living in stone age we are human being first and then other thing STOP fighting STOP killing each other
Recommend
ishan Sep 02, 2016 11:40am
let them be from any religion , love unites everyone love is a powerful word and it can do wonders.
Recommend
Star Star Sep 02, 2016 11:46am
In my view the subject of the film doesn't require to discuss or to make a film. Such incidents are rare and are not affecting the daily lives of the masses. Why don't you make a film on 'Corruption' which the biggest problem in our society. Look at your face in the mirror and think.
Recommend
V. Bhatia Sep 02, 2016 11:56am
Talking about inter-religious marriages in Pakistan, if a Muslim boy marries a non-Muslim girl, be it Hindu, Christian or Parsi, she is usually coerced in to converting to Islam and yet there is no uproar from the girl's family or the public in general. Reverse this to a Muslim girl marrying a non-Muslim boy who doesn't even ask the girl to convert to his faith, and yet there is not only always an uproar from her family, but also a big uproar from the public in general and the boy and girl probably end up dead. For God's sake let the two who want to get married do so in peace and harmony without worrying about their own safety and that of their families. Just think, "how does their getting married to a person of his or her choice affect my life?" Probaly not at all. Then why make a big hoo-haa of it?
Recommend
Syed Ahmed Sep 02, 2016 12:15pm
People loved each other as a human been they dont thing about religious and culture is true loved
Recommend
Aditya Tomar Sep 02, 2016 12:21pm
May be movie will entertain us but on ground level this is not working ..my story is failed one .
Recommend
bheesham kumar Sep 02, 2016 12:25pm
very good subject. And good luck.
Recommend
Abhai Sharma Sep 02, 2016 12:45pm
@Taimoor Saleem - Still caught in caste and religion ?
Recommend
IMV Sep 02, 2016 12:53pm
I am a Muslim girl, moved to the uk a few years ago. I fell in love with a Hindu man. He and his family are the most wonderful people I have ever met. We want to get married as there is immense respect and affection not just from the man I am with, but also from his family. My parents who are living in Pakistan, as well as the rest of my family give their blessings as they see me happy and they have appreciate that the man is so decent, educated and most importantly, extremely respectful and affectionate towards me. I know I will never be able to travel with him to my home country as husband and wife, as our marriage here in the UK will not be recognized by Pakistan. This saddens me. However, I do plan to take him to my city as he wants to see the country and the house where I grew up. I fully support this movie. It is about time we rise above the borders and boundaries, and just be humans.
Recommend
raw is war Sep 02, 2016 01:28pm
@IMV nice story , mam.
Recommend
Dr Dipankar Sarkar Sep 02, 2016 01:36pm
@Ismail so what?
Recommend
D.K. PAMNANI Sep 02, 2016 01:41pm
@IMV THANKS FOR YOUR VIEWS
Recommend
SSK Sep 02, 2016 01:44pm
@Irfan ullah ...I feel sorry for you...
Recommend
Surya Kant Sep 02, 2016 01:49pm
@IMV be blessed my child.
Recommend
bhushan Sep 02, 2016 01:50pm
The liberals in Pakistan have got completely marginalised, seems are limited to the comments section of Dawn only!
Recommend
Thoroughthinker Sep 02, 2016 01:56pm
@raw is war : Don't you know there are some Pakistani film actresses who married Hindus and still living around unscathed?
Recommend
Shafiq Ahmed Sep 02, 2016 02:02pm
This is a silly topic and so many movies have been made on it.I think this is an easy way for some one to show he is a liberal beyond the boundaries of culture and faith
Recommend
Ali Sep 02, 2016 02:15pm
Congratulations for having the courage to take this bold step. It is not a question of right or wrong, it is simply to respect personal choices and wills of individuals. We as a society should be mature enough to accept a difference of view and yet not to fall out...or in this case threat or kill. Can we justify the daily slaughter of our daughters and sister in the name of honor.....that has become the norm in our society!!! We should allow ourselves individually and as a society to be challenged!
Recommend
Ali Sep 02, 2016 02:19pm
@IMV ...good luck and thanks for sharing!!!
Recommend
Ash Kumar Sep 02, 2016 02:30pm
The comments on this story reflects the mindset of India and Pakistan. ALL Indians support this. ALL Pakistanis (except IMV, the awesome lady) oppose this. Therein lies the difference in our countries and society. THINK.
Recommend
Mandy Sep 02, 2016 02:47pm
I loved the story a "Hindu boy marries a Muslim girl".
Recommend
I Sep 02, 2016 02:55pm
My religion is the true one, yours is false. Everyone says this. Understand this and you will have the answer to religious fundamentalism.
Recommend
Soniyal Sep 02, 2016 03:49pm
Freedom of expression doesn't exist in Pakistan. Please accept the fact. U r living in the 12 century ideology.
Recommend
May Sep 02, 2016 04:20pm
Many examples of this India, don't think there are in Pakistan.
Recommend
krishankant Sep 02, 2016 04:26pm
Congratulations for the daring act. If need, we can fund your dreams. Would definitely like to see the movie.
Recommend
ozzy Sep 02, 2016 04:31pm
@I but ppl debate, who have 30 40 years worth of knowledge that debunk other religion. Islam is the truth, the reason why it is the fastest growing in the world. Women in europe are the fastest. 5000 alone convert to islam in the uk wit 75% women.
Recommend
An Atheist Sep 02, 2016 04:31pm
Funded! @Commenters - Please put your money where your mouth is! Thank you Dawn!
Recommend
Jo bhi naam de do pyar se Sep 02, 2016 04:38pm
Very courageous effort. God bless you....hate, bigotry, unfounded chauvinism all make us blind. I admire the effort and I fully support inter religious marriages...may it be Hindu man-muslim girl or the other way around....I think inter faith marriages are the building blocks of co-habitation....they are the few bonds that overcome astronomical odds for their love for one another....hence these marriages always last long....God bless you Hamza, please also direct a movie for Bollywood.
Recommend
ahmad Sep 02, 2016 05:30pm
@Ismail sir it is as per islamic teachings, not just confiened to "sunni Theology". And Theology is the study of God and relevant 'beliefs' not shariah and 'practices'
Recommend
Ashim Halder Sep 02, 2016 05:49pm
If some people have guts then we must give them moral support .
Recommend
Hamaad Sep 02, 2016 06:15pm
More important and pertinent issues exist in Pakistan that film makers should address through their art. This movie is a non issue.
Recommend
jUSA Sep 02, 2016 06:19pm
@Irfan ullah because it happens all the time...you don't have a problem if it is hindu girl and muslim boy huh?
Recommend
Thoroughthinker Sep 02, 2016 07:38pm
@Pune-India : You are just lucky for not getting involved in such a story!
Recommend
Abdulla Hussain Sep 02, 2016 07:40pm
Why always love story is shown between Muslim women and Hindu man why not vice versa.
Recommend
SWAT Sep 02, 2016 08:03pm
Grandaughter of Nur Jahan married Vivek Narain. Pak celebrity Noor married Vikram etc. etc. Marriages can happen between any two individuals who love each other. People need to stop judging and trying to control lives of strangers.
Recommend
Logic Sep 02, 2016 08:12pm
@Ismail But Muslim man is allowed to marry Hindu girl No wonder your religion s one of hypocrites
Recommend
Adonis Sep 02, 2016 08:43pm
@IMV. Your story just let me back to my happy days. I have a similar story as of yours, but unsuccessful. Thanks anyway.
Recommend
AliPasha(USA) Sep 02, 2016 08:46pm
@jUSA The Hindu girl has to covert Islam if she wants to marry the Muslim man.However,in the case of a Jewish or a Christian woman,she can retain her religion and there is no need for conversion.
Recommend
Shadow Sep 02, 2016 09:30pm
@Ash Kumar Lol, would ALL Indians support this if it were Muslim guy and Hindu girl? Think!
Recommend
Thoughtful Sep 02, 2016 11:36pm
Excellent theme. You should continue with the project.
Recommend
Sr Sep 03, 2016 12:05am
@May that's true
Recommend
Saqib Ghumman Sep 03, 2016 01:14am
I have found Hindu very intellegemt, respectful, peace loving and great friends. I have many friends among them and really proud of them.
Recommend
Jamal Razk Sep 03, 2016 01:23am
@AliPasha(USA) I'm married to Hindu Girl. I never want her to convert unless she choose to. I love her the way she is and she loves me that why I'm. True religion of the world is humanity and Hinduism is as beautiful in my eyes as Islam. It's all a matter of respecting each other and learning from each other. Blessing to all.
Recommend
Zahir Sep 03, 2016 01:38am
Religion should not dictate how or whom we marry
Recommend
Harmony-1© Sep 03, 2016 02:38am
@Raw is War - "Most likely she will be killed by her own family." I personally know a girl from a well-off Muslim family in Karachi who married a Hindu, from a poor family, known to her from college days. They live in India mostly but regularly visit Pakistan. Such are you guys preconceptions!
Recommend
S. A. M. Sep 03, 2016 04:55am
it looks more like a horror movie than a love story.
Recommend
worthless wealth Sep 03, 2016 05:02am
In Indian Film Industry, SRK, SAK, A'amir Khan and others are living examples! Likewise, Nargis, Madhubala, Zarina Wahab, Raqshanda Khan, Shermila Tagore are also accepted references! So, what's wrong in making a film on the subject! Besides, both, the girl and the boy know that there is a family to which they belong, then there is a community that they belong to, so also they know that there is a society around them. Thus, it is a risk both are prepared to take, so be it!
Recommend
Battleaxe Sep 03, 2016 05:52am
Love is a disease to be put in plain words, nothing feels or happens normally when it happens, logic less sentiment but a very powerful sentiment that everyone searches.there is a saying, better to have and lost the to have never loved at all, special case.
Recommend
Changez_Khan Sep 03, 2016 05:58am
Sorry this film will NOT be accepted in Pakistan, even if the sensor board passes the film and released, unfortunately the Cinemas will be blown away by extremists. Anyway, Good luck if the film is produced and released.
Recommend
Tickleme Elmo Sep 03, 2016 06:24am
@Irfan Ullah. Nobody cares about who likes what. I see it's perfectly fine with Hindu guy & Muslim girl.
Recommend
Tickleme Elmo Sep 03, 2016 06:35am
@Ozzy. Curious what's your knowledge of other religions?
Recommend
Tickleme Elmo Sep 03, 2016 06:39am
Hope of Pakistan lives in these people who practice tolerance & acceptance of 'others'.
Recommend
Ahsan Gul Sep 03, 2016 07:27am
@IMV - it's not border or countries differences it has to do with your believes and your future generations. I have been living in the west for almost 38 years. I was married to a Hindu women and have two kids. Our families never objected . But when my children grew up they had identity crises. My wife was semi Hindu religious and I was a little less. My daughter fell in love with a Catholic boy. But making long story short, her marriage never consummated as boys family objected that I was a Muslim. Now I am talking what happened in the west and not in India or Pakistan. So you cannot label only people from India or Pakistani as close minded . My son has other issues. He is neither a Hindu nor or a Muslim. He does not believe in anything. A person without any believe can fall in life. So, if possible a person should stick to his own kind and do not experiment as life is short and decisions like going out of religion are irreversible. Sincerely
Recommend
Farouq Omaro Sep 03, 2016 07:33am
Good effort. People should marry whoever they love. Stupid laws, traditions and religious dictates should not come in the way. I have read of some couples of mixed marriages (involving Muslims) eloping to foreign countries to start a new life. It is more difficult for mixed marriages to happen when one person is a Muslim, especially if it is the girl. What a pity!
Recommend
Kulbhushan Yadav Sep 03, 2016 10:26am
@IMV Well Sister, you would be putting yours and his life in danger.
Recommend
N H RANA Sep 03, 2016 10:29am
@SWAT :it does't mean those strayed opportunist take advantage of physical attraction, in Islam unless Nikah is performed by the both participants,before they had to recite Kalmah Shahada otherwise it will be ADULTERY A SIN.
Recommend
N H RANA Sep 03, 2016 10:34am
@Syed Ahmed : it is not love but only and only physical attraction.
Recommend
charu Sep 03, 2016 02:13pm
@Jamal Razk : this is exactly what my husband said...i am a hindu and once we decided to get married he made it clear it his family and mine, that conversion was not even a factor, after so many years of marriage i have still not converted and dont intent to either...i keep roza with my family, celebrate eid with just as much happiness as my husband celebrates holi diwali I am lucky to have a very supportive father in law, who has been more supportive than my husband at times rest of my in laws came around eventually and i never feel left out or like an outsider Education and open mind are absolutely essential to make such a marriage work
Recommend
shepower.pk Sep 03, 2016 02:37pm
We need Romeo and Juliet type of love stories, anyway good luck for your new move dude,
Recommend
Kaly Sep 03, 2016 03:18pm
@Ahsan Gul - Hmmm...your comments are eye opener for many...
Recommend
Democratic Sep 03, 2016 03:40pm
@Ismail then it's wrong theology which stops lovers to marry
Recommend
Zi Sep 03, 2016 04:07pm
@Democratic love is a misunderstanding between two fools. Don't fall for it.
Recommend
raisano Sep 03, 2016 08:31pm
Hamza get in touch with me perhaps I can help some with monitary aspect not much but it is a start k.raisani@comcast.net
Recommend
raisano Sep 03, 2016 08:42pm
@Ahsan Gul u are so right -- I have been iin US for decades I have two boys they found solutions to their conflicts married Christians-- wish I could have changed my heart aches wish I had never come here-- I am established I am rich but my heart aches for my Pakistan my Balochistan and my religion-- and I am not very religious but I feel sad everyday in this regard
Recommend
charu Sep 03, 2016 11:03pm
@Shadow : yep....pretty sure...this is even less of a problem
Recommend
obivankanobi Sep 04, 2016 01:23am
@Harmony-1© maybe, but they live in India precisely because of the fear of Pakistani intolerance.
Recommend
obivankanobi Sep 04, 2016 01:31am
@Ahsan Gul sorry to hear your story. But Sir there are countless happy stories to counter an unhappy one such as yours. Its very unfortunate that you feel so negatively about such an alliance and pray you get the peace of mind that you truly deserve. Please do not regret a bold decision that did not go exactly as planned.
Recommend
Tickleme Elmo Sep 04, 2016 05:14am
@ZI. You say love is a misunderstanding between two fools. I am sorry yours failed.
Recommend
MaheshP Sep 04, 2016 12:09pm
@IMV God Bless you Both.
Recommend
Kalimullah Sep 04, 2016 03:28pm
@gopynath Sorry mate! it wouldn't
Recommend
Impartial Sep 04, 2016 08:06pm
@raw is war absolutely correct
Recommend
wahid Sep 05, 2016 12:24pm
@Md Thank you
Recommend
Pakistani Sep 06, 2016 02:10am
@gopynath there has been a lot of marriages between Muslims and Christians, so this proves that the society is not regressive....right!
Recommend
Pakistani Sep 06, 2016 02:21am
I think khuda k liye had also touched the topic and that too brilliantly
Recommend